Thread: GMC 1200 Router Bits

Hand held or in the table a cheap bit is a cheap bit.

If your prepared to spend that much why not upgrade to a better router and use the bits that you use in the Triton.
There have been quite a few threads on router bit quality. Try a search on "Router Bits".

OK you're a new member and may not know about a search, at the top of the list of posts/replies you will find SEARCH, click on this and then fill in what you are searching for, should keep you amused for at least an hour.

I did do a search for Router Bits came up with nothing specific on the ones
that come with the GMC Router so i thought i would ask the question i realise cheap bits are cheap bits
but MAYBE someone has had some experience with them
By the way the GMC is a 1/2" router as well hence is why i asked to buy with or without the bits

Ps just cause i don't post a lot doesn't mean i don't read alot look at my jion Date
i more than likely have been using forums for a hell of a lot longer that you

Steve

One of the things that you may have missed in your search is that when you buy a "Set" of bits there may be only two or three that you actually use in the set, thus making the ones you use dearer than you might expect.
Now I will admit that I don't know what the quality of the bits with the router are but I will bet that they are not up there with the accepted quality bits.

The choice as always is yours, but one thing I personaly don't do is scrimp on the quality of something that is going to spin at anything up to 30,000 RPM at a level approxomating my great fat guts.

Originally Posted by Stevan

Ps just cause i don't post a lot doesn't mean i don't read alot look at my jion Date
i more than likely have been using forums for a hell of a lot longer that you

Steve

Well so much for being nice and helpful, here we go again.

Thank you for your second reply i will Look at buying the Router without the bits i did read that post about about buying sets of Bits and how many you really use

I have never been that keen on 1/4 bits but it seemed like a good buy
maybe i will spend $150 on a Router instead

Steve

Now don't laugh. I bought this router and bits "Super Kit" a little while back. It's the GMC R1250 (1550 watt). It's my 4th router and I wanted one that was reasonably powerful, variable speed, and not too dear nor too heavy. Most of the cheap routers I looked at were quite weighty.
Well the router is quite acceptable. It does what I wanted. On the negative side the spindle lock looks like an afterthought and is a real PITA. Two spanners would be easier. And the machine comes in this enormous plastic case which just eats up space in the shed.
I certainly didn't buy it for the bits. At the shop I thought they were a joke and I still think so. They might be suitable to lend to somebody you don't particularly like.
They are not a very useful set. Mostly just common straight bits and a few bearing guided edge trimming bits. Most are duplicated and there are actually 5 of one particular bit and 4 of another. Why?
The kit seems to have been thrown together with little understanding of the needs of an end user. For instance, there is not a single roundover bit in there.
But the bits didn't matter. I already have a good range of quality bits.

Kind regards
Brian

I have the R1250 kit with all the bits. As others have said the bits aren't anything to get excited over. though they would be handy to have if u need to them on the odd occasion. i dunno why they repeat the bits either!

I also have bought this Router kit. I use it freehand only as I have a fixed base GMC in a table.

I agree the router bits are average. However, I have used a fair number of them overtime.

Thanks Guy's i think the general consensus is that they are pretty average
which is what i thought they might be
as i have quite a few 1/2" bits i will stick with the Router only or maybe look at a slightly more expensive one maybe the Makita

Cheers
Steve

Originally Posted by Wizened of Oz

Most are duplicated and there are actually 5 of one particular bit and 4 of another. Why?
Brian

Do i have to spell it out for you? maybe its because they wont last? 5 bits the same and none of them really useful? well maybe to make the router and bits package seem like a good deal? well its up to you

as the great entrapreneur. PT Barnham once said, "its morally wrong to allow suckers to keep their money"

If you have a Big W store nearby have a look at the Power Master? 1500 watt unit, it is quite a nice handheld router, 50mm plunge, variable speed, soft start and collets for 1/4 inch,8mm & 1/2 inch for just over $68.00 and there's more, abetter warranty than GMC, how can u lose? worth a look!

Cheers, Les.

Hi Les
I do have a Big W store near by so i will go have a look at it
thanks for the info have you been using one for very long

Cheers
Steve

Stevan, Have had this router a few weeks & so far, quite happy. It feels nicer to use than 1250 watt GMC. I have old Makita fixed base, single speed 1/2 inch, very good within its limits, 2 GMC 1/4inch for dovetailing jig, excellent for that and 2 x 1/2inch GMC 1250 watt plunge, 1 in table & 1 handheld. Cheers LES.

Stevan,
I do own the GMC 1550W router and all 50 (now 45) bits that came with it. The bits are utter rubbish. The router is not too bad - just a bit fiddly changing bits. I also have a Triton in the table and use the GMC for some hand held work. I also have many CMT router bits and they are just great. Spend some more $ and get a good medium size 1/2" router such as the Bosch GOF 1300. I wish I had rather purchased that one.
Regards
Les (not the other Les as above)